Following a 22-point win over the Brooklyn Nets, the Chicago Bulls host the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time this season. The Bulls collide with a Clippers team riding a six-game winning streak, though Chicago could be in line for a boost ahead of the matchup.
Josh Giddey questionable for tonight
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After missing the Bulls’ last 10 games, Josh Giddey could return against the Clippers. The guard has been sidelined since late December after suffering a strained hamstring versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. Giddey [practiced with the Windy City Bulls](https://pippenainteasy.com/bulls-news-latest-giddey-injury-are-trades-actually-happening) on January 18, and according to head coach Billy Donovan, everything went well. As a result, the Aussie’s window of availability has opened, putting him in line to return either tonight or Thursday, coincidentally in Minnesota.
Getting Giddey back would be a major boost for Chicago, which faces a daunting schedule in the coming days. Aside from Giddey, the Bulls’ injury report is relatively light. Zach Collins remains sidelined while recovering from a toe sprain, and Patrick Williams is the only other player with an injury designation—though he is expected to return to the rotation later this week.
Kawhi Leonard out for Clippers
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The Clippers, meanwhile, will be without Kawhi Leonard for a third straight game. Leonard is in the midst of a bounce-back campaign in his age-34 season, averaging a career-high 28.2 points while adding 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and a league-leading 2.2 steals per game. He’s shooting 49.7 percent from the floor and 39.9 percent from three-point range.
While Leonard’s injury is officially listed as a knee contusion, any knee issue is concerning, given his injury history. Los Angeles will also be without forward Derrick Jones Jr., who is dealing with a more severe knee injury—an MCL sprain. The high-flying forward suffered the sprain on January 3 and is set to be reevaluated in mid-February. This marks his second MCL sprain this season.
Lastly, reserve guard Bogdan Bogdanovic remains sidelined while tending to a hamstring injury. He has been out since late December, and there is currently no clear timeline for the 33-year-old’s return.
Full injury report for Chicago Bulls vs Los Angeles Clippers
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The complete injury report for tonight's game is as follows:
### Chicago Bulls
Out: Zach Collins (Right 1st Toe Sprain), Noa Essengue (Left Shoulder Surgery).
Questionable: Josh Giddey (Left Hamstring Strain), Patrick Williams (Right Ankle Sprain).
### Los Angeles Clippers
Out: Bradley Beal (Left Hip Fracture), Bogdan Bogdanovic (Left Hamstring Injury Management), Derrick Jones Jr. (Right Knee Sprain), Kawhi Leonard (Left Knee Contusion), Chris Paul (Not with team).
Questionable: Cam Christie (Abdominal Soreness).